Ex-pastor accused of stealing from church

HOUSTON CHRONICLE |
March 25, 2014

The former associate pastor of a Houston church has been accused of stealing more than $200,000 from his congregation.

Russell Thompson Jr., 55, is charged with theft. The Pearland resident had been serving the City of Refuge Presbyterian Church in the 3100 block of Yellowstone, according to court documents. He is free on $30,000 bail.

Prosecutors said Thompson opened a bank account in the church's name and took checks addressed to the church from members of the congregation and deposited them into that account. The thefts occurred from March 2011 until January 2013, according to court documents.

His lawyer, Tyrone Moncriffe, could not be reached for comment.

Church officials directed all calls for comment to their attorney, Dwaine Massey, who could not be reached on Tuesday afternoon.